wellington solar farm appendix c consultation · 2019-07-01 · appendix c consultation. ... final...

Environmental Impact Statement Wellington Solar Farm

17‐076 Final v1.1 C‐I

APPENDIX C CONSULTATION

www.nghenvironmental.com.au e [email protected]

Sydney Region 18/21 mary st

surry hills nsw 2010 (t 02 8202 8333)

Canberra ‐ NSW SE & ACT 17/27 yallourn st (po box 62)

fyshwick act 2609 (t 02 6280 5053)

Wagga Wagga ‐ Riverina and Western NSW suite 1, 39 fitzmaurice st (po box 5464)

wagga wagga nsw 2650 (t 02 6971 9696)

Newcastle ‐ Hunter and North Coast 7/11 union st

newcastle west nsw 2302 (t 02 4929 2301)

Bega ‐ ACT and South East NSW suite 1, 216 carp st (po box 470) bega nsw 2550 (t 02 6492 8333)

Bathurst ‐ Central West and Orana 35 morrisset st (po box 434)

bathurst nsw 2795 (t 02 6331 4541)

Community Consultation Plan WELLINGTON SOLAR FARM

NOVEMBER 2017

www.nghenvironmental.com.au e [email protected]

Sydney Region 18/21 mary st

surry hills nsw 2010 (t 02 8202 8333)

Canberra ‐ NSW SE & ACT 17/27 yallourn st (po box 62)

fyshwick act 2609 (t 02 6280 5053)

Wagga Wagga ‐ Riverina and Western NSW suite 1, 39 fitzmaurice st (po box 5464)

wagga wagga nsw 2650 (t 02 6971 9696)

Newcastle ‐ Hunter and North Coast 7/11 union st

newcastle west nsw 2302 (t 02 4929 2301)

Bega ‐ ACT and South East NSW suite 1, 216 carp st (po box 470) bega nsw 2550 (t 02 6492 8333)

Bathurst ‐ Central West and Orana 35 morrisset st (po box 434)

bathurst nsw 2795 (t 02 6331 4541)

Document Verification

Project Title: CCP ‐ Wellington Solar Farm

Project Number: 17‐076

Project File Name: Wellington CCP Final v1.1 Revision Date Prepared by (name) Reviewed by (name) Approved by (name)

Draft V1 20/04/17 Jenny Walsh Nick Graham‐Higgs Jenny Walsh

Final v1 19/10/17 Zoe Quaas Brooke Marshall Brooke Marshall

Final v1 06/11/17 Jane Blomfield Minor changes

NGH Environmental prints all documents on environmentally sustainable paper including paper made from bagasse (a by‐product of sugar production) or recycled paper.

NGH Environmental Pty Ltd (ACN: 124 444 622. ABN: 31 124 444 622) and NGH Environmental (Heritage) Pty Ltd (ACN: 603 938 549. ABN: 62 603 938 549) are part of the NGH Environmental Group of Companies.

Community Consultation Plan Wellington Solar Farm

17‐076 v1.1 i

CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... 1

1.1 COMMUNITY CONSULTATION PRINCIPLES ....................................................................................... 1

1.2 AIM OF THIS PLAN ............................................................................................................................ 1

1.3 STRUCTURE ....................................................................................................................................... 2

1.4 IMPLEMENTATION AND REVISION OF THIS DOCUMENT .................................................................. 2

1.5 RELEVANT GUIDELINES ..................................................................................................................... 2

2 PROPOSAL OVERVIEW ................................................................................................................ 3

2.1 WELLINGTON SOLAR FARM .............................................................................................................. 3

2.2 CONSTRUCTION ................................................................................................................................ 3

2.3 PLANNING PATHWAY ....................................................................................................................... 6

3 COMMUNITY PROFILE ................................................................................................................. 7

3.1 DUBBO REGIONAL LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA ................................................................................ 7

3.1.1 Wellington .......................................................................................................................................... 8

3.1.2 Bodangora .......................................................................................................................................... 9

3.1.3 Geurie ................................................................................................................................................. 9

3.1.4 Dubbo ................................................................................................................................................. 9

3.1.5 Bodangora Wind Farm ...................................................................................................................... 10

4 STAKEHOLDER GROUPS AND CONSULTATION STRATEGIES ........................................................ 11

5 ISSUE MANAGEMENT ................................................................................................................ 16

6 PROJECT BASED ACTIVITIES ....................................................................................................... 19

6.1 ENGAGEMENT TEAM ...................................................................................................................... 19

6.2 MILESTONES ................................................................................................................................... 19

6.3 THROUGHOUT PROCESS ................................................................................................................. 19

7 MONITORING AND EVALUATION .............................................................................................. 26

8 REFERENCES AND RESOURCES ................................................................................................... 27

APPENDIX A COMMUNITY FEEDBACK FORM ..................................................................................A‐I

APPENDIX B CONSULTATION STATUS ............................................................................................ B‐I


17‐076 v1.1 1

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 COMMUNITY CONSULTATION PRINCIPLES

Best practice community consultation involves the community in all decision‐making stages of a project.

There is a role for the community from project conception, through the assessment process and on to

project development. Effective community consultation has three important functions:

1. It facilitates deeper understanding of issues and decisions required for the project;

2. It improves the quality of decisions made for the project; and

3. It allows people to be involved in decisions that affect their lives.

Important community engagement principles for a project include:

Openness – combats assumptions and misinformation.

Inclusiveness ‐ consultation should be diverse and representative, not responding only to

the most vocal stakeholders.

Effective communication – requiring trust between parties and tools appropriate to the

task.

A communication strategy – clarity about what is being undertaken:

o Inform ‐ one‐way communication to deliver information about the project.

o Consult ‐ two‐way communication to seek input into the project.

o Collaborate and involve – seek participation in elements of the project design and

implementation.

Early rather than late – to maximise engagement opportunities.

Accountability – the process should be monitored and evaluated to ensure its aims are being

achieved.

1.2 AIM OF THIS PLAN

NGH Environmental has developed this Community Consultation Plan (CCP) on behalf of First Solar, the

proponent of the proposed Wellington Solar Farm. The aims of the plan are to:

1. Identify effective methods to inform the community about the proposed Wellington Solar

Farm; and

2. Facilitate engagement with the community, including input into the environmental

assessment process and project development.

The plan identifies:

Community stakeholders for the project.

Issues / risks related to the engagement of each stakeholder group.

A consultation strategy for each stakeholder group.

A set of activities against the project development time line to facilitate consultation.

Effective engagement will require an understanding of community stakeholders and prioritisation of

potential impacts. It also relies on the community understanding the project and specific issues of interest

to them, to contribute effectively. The focus of the consultation plan will be on providing this understanding

and engagement.


17‐076 v1.1 2

1.3 STRUCTURE

The structure of this plan is:

1. Proposal overview.

2. Identification of community stakeholders for the project.

3. Issue management – what specific issues need consideration.

4. Project based activities – what vehicles will be utilised in the consultation process.

1.4 IMPLEMENTATION AND REVISION OF THIS DOCUMENT

The plan has been developed to coincide with the early planning and assessment stages of the project.

If the project is approved, consultation will also be required to continue into the construction and

operational phases of the project. These phases will require a new or updated plan, to reflect any changes

to consultation objectives but also the increasing knowledge gained about the community.

1.5 RELEVANT GUIDELINES

This CCP has been prepared with reference to the following guidelines / references:

Establishing the social licence to operate large scale solar facilities in Australia: Insights from

social research for industry, Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).

Beyond Public Meetings: Connecting community engagement with decision making,

Twyford Consulting 2007.


17‐076 v1.1 3

2 PROPOSAL OVERVIEW

2.1 WELLINGTON SOLAR FARM

The Wellington Solar Farm site is located approximately 2 kilometres north east of Wellington, in western

central NSW (refer Figure 2‐1), within the Dubbo Regional Local Government Area (LGA). The extent of the

316 hectare solar farm site is illustrated in Figure 2‐2 and defined as: Lots 89, 90, 91, 92, 99, 102, 103 and

104/DP2987; Lot 1/DP34690, Lot 1/DP520396; and Lot 2/DP807187. The solar farm would connect to the

national electricity network via the existing Transgrid substation located to the south of the site (refer

Figure 2‐2), within Lot 1/DP1226751.

Goolma Road forms the southern and eastern boundaries of the site with the Mitchell Highway further

west (Figure 2‐2). The site and surroundings are generally farmed land with the Wellington Correctional

Centre located approximately 400m east of the site.

The proposal would generate photovoltaic (PV) energy up to 174MW capacity and would comprise an array

of solar panels approximately 316 hectares, a 132kV substation and related infrastructure as follows:

PV modules (solar panels).

Single Axis horizontal tracking (likely) or fixed mounting frames.

30‐50 inverter stations with associated transformer.

An onsite substation or substation within the existing Transgrid substation containing one

transformer and associated switchgear.

A 33kV or 132kV or 330kV transmission line to the adjacent existing Wellington Substation

(100m).

Underground or aboveground electrical conduits and cabling to connect the inverters to the

onsite substation or substation within the existing Transgrid substation.

22‐33kV underground and aboveground (mounted to module structure) DC cabling to

connect the modules to the inverter stations.

An access track off Goolma Road, approximately 4.6km north east of Mitchell Highway

junction.

Permanent site office and maintenance building with associated vehicle parking.

Internal access tracks to allow for site maintenance.

Perimeter security fencing up to 2.3m high.

Energy storage.

Native vegetation screening, where required to break up views of infrastructure to specific

receivers, will be planted prior to commencement of operations.

2.2 CONSTRUCTION

Indicative timing for the receipt of Planning Approval for the Wellington Solar Farm is March 2018. The

construction phase of the proposal is expected to take twelve months.

The Wellington Solar Farm is expected to operate for around 30 years. After the operating period the solar

farm would either be decommissioned, removing all above ground infrastructure and returning the site to

its existing land capability, or repowered with new PV equipment.


17‐076 v1.1 4

Figure 2‐1 Proposal location

Project boundaryProposed infrastructure

"a Existing substationLocal roadHighwayExisting transmission linesFarm dam / other water bodyRailwayNational Park / ReserveTravelling stock reserve

1:100000

www.nghenvironmental.com.au

0 2 41 Km

A4 @Ref: SW121 EIS_20171113Author: SP Date: 13/11/2017 °

G OOL

MAROADCO

BBOR

ARO

AD

BR O OKFIELD R OAD

TWELVE MILE ROAD

MINE ROAD

GILGOAN

ROAD

DICK

STRE

ET

PONTO FALLS ROAD

BU SHRANGERS CREEK ROAD

BAKERS LANE

S UNTOP R OAD

CAMPBELLS LANE

RENSHA WMC

GIRR

WAY

MARYVALE ROAD

BRENNAN SWAY

TWIGGS ROAD

FAL LS ROAD

LOWRIED

RIV

E

GISBORNE STREET

BELA VISTA LANE

HARVEYSLANE

CURTIS STREET

M ITCHELL HIGHWAY

LINCOLN

MARYVALE

BODANGORA

MOUNT ARTHUR

MAYNGGU GANAI HISTORIC SITE

WELLINGTON

MACQUARIE RIVER

BELL RIVER

Notes:- Base map © Esri and its data suppliers. - Base layers from LPI and Geoscience Aust, 2017


17‐076 v1.1 5

Figure 2‐2 Proposal site

"a Existing substationLocal roadExisting transmission linesFarm dam / other water bodyMinor drainage featureDrainage lineRailwayBattery storage facilityProposed arrayProposed overhead transmission line:Option 1Proposed overhead transmission line:Option 2Proposed overhead transmission lineProposed underground transmission lineProposed roadProposed substation: Option 1Proposed substation: Option 2Temporary laydown and turning circleTemporary construction and officeparking

") OAM buildingProject boundaryCadastre

1:22000

www.nghenvironmental.com.au

0 200 400100 m

A4 @Ref: SW121 EIS_20171113Author: SP Date: 13/11/2017 °

Lot 1 DP 1226751

Lot 89 DP 2987

Lot 91 DP 2987

Lot 90 DP 2987

Lot 102 DP 2987

Lot 103 DP 2987

Lot 99 DP 2987

Lot 1 DP 520396

Lot 104 DP 2987

Lot 1 DP 34690

Lot 2 DP 807187

Lot 92 DP 2987

GO OLMARO

AD

COBB

ORA

ROA D

BELA VISTA LANE

TWELVE MILE ROAD

WUULUMAN CREE K

Notes:- Base map © Esri and its data suppliers. - Base layers from LPI and Geoscience Aust, 2017

SITE ACCESS


17‐076 v1.1 6

2.3 PLANNING PATHWAY

The proposal to construct and operate Wellington Solar Farm requires development consent under Part 4

of the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act). The proposal is development for

the purpose of electricity generating works with a capital cost in excess of $30 million and is therefore

classified as State Significant Development under State Environmental Planning Policy (State and Regional

Development) 2011.

An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is required to be prepared for State Significant Developments.

The EIS would document all community consultation activities undertaken for the Wellington Solar Farm.


17‐076 v1.1 7

3 COMMUNITY PROFILE

Understanding the makeup and values of the community is essential to finding effective ways to reach the

community as well as beginning to identify ways that the project may impact the community. This section

provides a broad overview of the LGA and nearest major town of Wellington, the locality of Bodangora,

village of Geurie and the regional centre of Dubbo.

3.1 DUBBO REGIONAL LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

Dubbo Regional Council was established on 12 May 2016 as an amalgamation of the former Dubbo City

and Wellington Shire Councils and covers an area of 7,536 square kilometres. Prior to the amalgamation

the proposal site was located within the Wellington LGA which covered an area of 4,110 square kilometres.

The estimated resident population within the Wellington LGA in 2011 was 8,833, which grew to 9,073 by

2015 (ABS 2017). The median age of residents within the Wellington LGA in 2015 was 42.1 years, higher

than the Australian average of 37.4 and higher than the median estimated age of 40.3 in 2011 (ABS 2017).

The estimated resident population of the Dubbo Regional LGA as at June 30, 2015 was 51,007 people.

Between 2005 and 2015 the Dubbo Region estimated resident population increased by 3,969 people

(8.44%), with an average annual compound population growth of 0.81% between 2005 and 2015. (Dubbo

Regional Council, 2016). Between 2016 and 2036, the population of Dubbo Region is projected to increase

by 5,750 people, which is less than the average growth rates experienced over the previous 10 years

(Department of Planning and Environment, 2016).

The main industries in the Dubbo Regional LGA are health, retail, education, government services, tourism,

manufacturing, construction, agriculture, business services and transport (Dubbo Regional Council, 2016).

The Region is also well positioned as a growing mining services centre with mining and exploration projects,

both established and emerging, flourishing across the surrounding region (Dubbo Regional Council, 2016).

The output generated by Dubbo Region economy is estimated at $5.493 billion, with manufacturing

accounting for $790 million, followed by rental, hiring and real estate services ($597 million) and

construction ($546 million) (Dubbo Regional Council, 2016).

The total employment estimate for Dubbo Region as at the 2011 Census was 19,217 jobs. The health care

and social assistance industry sector is the largest sector (3,084 jobs); followed by retail trade (2,467 jobs)

and education and training (1,870 jobs) (Dubbo Regional Council, 2016). Workers in Dubbo Region are

predominately in the 45 to 54 (23.5%), 35 to 44 (21.8%) and 25 to 34 (18.4%) year age groups, with 4.3%

of workers aged 65 years and over.

Between the 2006 and 2011 Census periods, there was a net increase of 336 jobs in Dubbo Region, building

on the 18,881 jobs in 2006 (ABS 2017). The largest increase in terms of the number of jobs was the health

care and social assistance sector, increasing by 467 jobs (17.84%) (Dubbo Regional Council, 2016). The

agriculture, forestry and fishing sector experienced the largest decline in jobs (Dubbo Regional Council,

2016).

Socio Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA) is a suite of indexes that have been created by the Australian

Bureau of Statistics (ABS) from social and economic Census information. Each index ranks geographic areas

across Australia in terms of their relative socio‐economic advantage and disadvantage, with LGA scores

ranging from 121 (most disadvantaged) to 1,193 (least disadvantaged). The SEIFA score for Dubbo Region

in 2011 was 961.


17‐076 v1.1 8

3.1.1 Wellington

Wellington is the nearest township to the proposal site, located approximately 2 km to the south. The town

of Wellington has approximately 4,500 people and is located 362 km north‐west of Sydney and 50km south

east of Dubbo (Regional Development Australia – Orana, 2016).

Wellington is located at the junction of the Mitchell Highway, Bushrangers Creek Road, Cobbora Road and

Goolma Road. The town is located on the Main Western railway line and served by a daily NSW TrainLink

XPT service between Sydney and Dubbo.

Agriculture is the key industry in Wellington, with the steeper land to the east supporting mainly grazing

activities and the gentle undulating land to the west supporting mainly cereal production. Mining

exploration activity is of continuing interest, with a number of mineral deposits within the area. (Regional

Development Australia – Orana, 2016).

Of the total 19,217 jobs in the Dubbo Region there are: 16,959 jobs in the former Dubbo LGA (88.25 %) and

2,258 jobs in the former Wellington LGA (11.75 %). The SEIFA score for Wellington in 2011 was 788

(compared to 961 for the overall Dubbo Region) (REMPLAN 2017).

Wellington Correctional Centre, an Australian maximum security prison, is located approximately 400m

east of the proposal site, accessed via Goolma Road. The facility is operated by Corrective Services NSW

and employs over 200 staff. The facility is to be expanded during 2017.

The proposed solar farm would provide opportunity of employment diversification as NSW moves towards

a carbon neutral economy by the year 2050. The unemployment rate for the Wellington LGA for 2011 was

high at 8.3%, compared to the Australian average of 5.6% (ABS 2011).

The local newspaper The Wellington Times, a Rural Press title, is published three times a week.

Wellington provides support to the villages of Geurie, Elong Elong, Mumbil, Stuart Town and Euchareena

and its features include:

Tourism attractions including the Wellington Caves Complex, Phosphate Mine and Japanese

Gardens, Lake Burrendong, Burrendong Botanic Garden and Arboretum, Mt Arthur Reserve,

several wineries and boutique galleries (Dubbo Regional Council)

Events include: the annual Wellington Boot race meeting, Agricultural Show and various

markets, (Destinations NSW 2017).

Recreational and sporting facilities include: Burrendong Dam, basketball and netball courts,

soccer, rugby union and rugby league fields, cricket pitches, touch football fields, tennis

courts, athletics track, tennis courts, Olympic and children's swimming pools, parks and

gardens (Destinations NSW 2016b).

Community facilities and clubs include: Soldiers Memorial Club, Race Club a memorial hall,

branch library, cemetery, (Destinations NSW 2017).

Health services include: Wellington Hospital, Wellington Aboriginal Corporation Health

Service, Bellhaven Aged Care Facility and Maranatha House care facility (Service NSW 2017).

Services include: banks, supermarkets, post office, real estate, trades people, machinery

and farming services, hotels, accommodation, cafes and restaurants, fire station

(Destinations NSW 2017).

Education facilities include: pre‐school, primary schools, high school (Dubbo Regional

Council 2017).


17‐076 v1.1 9

Churches – Uniting Church, Baptist Church, Anglican Church, Christian Community Church,

Baha’i Faith, Catholic Church, Jehovah's Witnesses, International Network of Churches,

Jachin Boaz Ministries (Dubbo Regional Council 2017).

The Wellington Airport, also known as Bondangora Airport, is owned and operated by

Dubbo Regional Council.

3.1.2 Bodangora

Bodangora is a small rural locality approximately 12 kilometres north east of Wellington and approximately

6 kilometres north east of the Wellington Solar Farm site. The locality of Bodangora is a collection of larger

rural properties accessed from Goolma Road. Bodangora has an airfield for small planes and an old

cemetery.

There was no data available from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) on population, businesses or

number of dwellings in the Bodangora locality.

3.1.3 Geurie

Geurie is a small village located between Wellington (21 km) and Dubbo (29 km) on the Mitchell Highway.

Geurie is approximately 17 kilometres north west of the proposed Wellington Solar Farm site. The village

is on the Main Western railway line and served by a daily NSW TrainLink XPT service between Sydney and

Dubbo.

At the 2011 census, Geurie had a population of 895 (REMPLAN 2017). The SEIFA score for Geurie in 2011

was 996, (compared to 961 for the overall Dubbo Region) (REMPLAN 2017).

Geurie has a swimming pool, some services, cross country mountain biking trails, parks and reserves.

3.1.4 Dubbo

Dubbo is a major regional centre located approximately 50 km northwest of Wellington and 45 km north

west of the proposal site. Dubbo is located at the junction of the Mitchell, Newell and Golden Highways

(three major highways). Dubbo is also serviced by Main Western Railway Line (with daily XPT services) and

the Dubbo City Regional Airport (180 flights a week to/from Dubbo).

The population of Dubbo in 2011 was 32,326. The estimated population for Dubbo in 2016 was 41,934 with

a median age of 39 (Evocities http://evocities.com.au/dubbo/ ).

Dubbo’s facilities include:

14 primary schools (7 public and 7 private); 6 secondary schools (3 public and 3 private), 4

tertiary education campuses, 5 Preschools and 12 Long Day Care Options.

Retail Services: 6 shopping centres, with over 90 speciality stores and CBD specialty shops.

Leisure and Dining: In excess of 120 eateries including licensed hotels and clubs, restaurants,

cafes and food halls.

Health: 5 aged‐care centres, 1 public, 1 private and 1 rehabilitation hospital.

The Dubbo arts industry includes the Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre and

the Western Plains Cultural Centre.

There are more than 66 resident GP’s as well as specialists in key areas including oncology,

paediatrics, mental and aged care.


17‐076 v1.1 10

Tourist attractions include: Taronga Western Plains Zoo, historic Dundullimal Homestead

and the historic Old Dubbo Gaol.

The unemployment rate in Dubbo is typically below the State average and is currently at 4.9% compared

to 5.6% for NSW (Dubbo City 2017).

It is estimated that 16,959 people work in Dubbo^, the majority of whom work a 35‐39 hour week. By

August 2018 is estimated that total employment in Dubbo will be at 21,919 jobs, which represents an

annualised growth rate of 2.20%. Of the 16,959 workers in Dubbo 17.98% are classified as Professionals,

12.02% Managers, 14.62% Technicians and Trade Workers, and 10.75% Labourers. (Evocities 2017).

Dubbo has a proud and passionate sporting heritage and boasts more than 120 sporting and interest clubs

and more than 150 acres of dedicated sporting grounds and facilities. In addition to sport, there are a host

of other recreational activities including the nationally recognised Taronga Western Plains Zoo.

Local print media includes The Daily Liberal (called the Weekend Liberal on Saturdays).

A number of community organisations across a range of interests, plus business and professional

organisations including the Dubbo City Development Corporation, Dubbo Chamber of Commerce and

Orana Business Enterprise Centre.

3.1.5 Bodangora Wind Farm

The approved Bodangora Wind Farm, located approximately 10 kilometres to the north east of the

Wellington Solar Farm site is due to begin construction mid‐2017.

The EIS for the original wind farm proposal was publicly exhibited in mid‐2012, with the Department of

Planning and environment receiving over 100 objections. Opposition to the wind farm was covered in the

local press.

The previous negative publicity associated with the wind farm, may influence local community members’

perception of the solar farm proposal in either a positive or negative manner. When meeting with members

of the local community, the community engagement team should emphasise the unobtrusive visual nature

of the Wellington Solar Farm proposal.


17‐076 v1.1 11

4 STAKEHOLDER GROUPS AND CONSULTATION

STRATEGIES

It is important to identify all key stakeholder groups and relevant characteristics and tailor engagement

strategies to suit each group. Different levels of engagement suit varying degrees of potential impacts in

the community. Where impacts are less significant, for example, the International Association for Public

Participation (IAP2) consultation spectrum suggests approaches such as ‘Inform’ and ‘Consult’. Greater

impacts on communities require approaches such as ‘Involve’, ‘Collaborate’ and ‘Empower’. Appropriate

strategies are set out below for each stakeholder group.

Table 4‐1 Summary of stakeholder groups and strategies, to be detailed further in the next table

Inform only Inform and Consult

Local Media

Broader community

Mid‐Western Shire

Adjacent neighbours

Near neighbours

Local businesses

o Wellington Correctional Centre

Special Interest groups

o Quota International o Wellington Race Club o Wellington Pony club o Aero club o Golf Club o Polo Club

Representative bodies

o Wellington Business Chamber

o Dubbo Regional Council


17‐076 v1.1 12

Stakeholder group Defining characteristics Consultation strategies Status and timing

1. Adjacent

neighbours

Neighbours adjacent to the project and those

who may be directly affected, for example:

those with a view of infrastructure, noise or

vibration from haulage route or construction

activities.

Meet first – Inform and consult

Understanding the values and potential

impacts to this group is highly important.

Face to face consultation and direct feedback

is required.

Mitigation strategies may require changes to

the project or the development of specific

plans of management i.e. screening visual

impact.

All consultation should be documented.

First consultation occurred in May/June 2017

Letters and feedback forms have been left

when neighbours weren’t available

Follow up consultation as needed

2. Near neighbours Neighbours to the project and those who may

be directly affected, for example: those with

a view of infrastructure, noise or vibration

from haulage route or construction activities.

Being a major development close to a town,

direct impacts may be of great interest to

residents and businesses. This is a large

development with potential to define the

locality in many ways.

This group includes residences within 2km of

the site (including residences on the northern

side of Wellington) and may experience direct

impacts.

Inform and Consult

Understanding the values and potential

impacts to this group is highly important. It will

assist the assessment process and

development of appropriate mitigation

strategies.

Face to face consultation and direct feedback

is required.




when neighbours weren’t available



17‐076 v1.1 13


3. Local Businesses Businesses within 2km of the site which may

experience direct impacts.

This includes Wellington Correctional Centre,

which is accessed via Goolma Road, in close

proximity to the solar farm site.

Inform and Consult

Understanding the values of this group will

assist the assessment process and

development of appropriate mitigation

strategies.

Direct contact and direct feedback is required.

Potential opportunity to distribute project

information and understand community

sentiment.




when business owners weren’t available


4. Special interest

groups

Special interest groups, for example,

recreational groups, sporting groups.

A number were identified specific to this

proposal. These include:

Quota International

Wellington Race Club

Wellington Pony club

Aero club

Golf Club

Polo Club

Rotary Club

Inform and Consult

These should be directly contacted.

Specific information or assessment may be

required to understand and mitigate impacts

for these groups.

An avenue to provide feedback or ask

questions should be provided.


17‐076 v1.1 14


5. Representative

bodies

Representatives of groups such as:

Wellington Business Chamber

Dubbo Regional Council

Inform and Consult

Specific information may be required for this

group.

An avenue to receive information and provide

specific feedback or ask questions should be

provided.

Dubbo Regional Council has been consulted in

June; First Solar stays in direct contact with

Dubbo Regional Council.

Presentation to Councillors is expected to take

place in October/November 2017.

Consultation with the Wellington Business

Chamber has occurred in October 2017. A

letter to the business is schedule to be provide

in November 2017.

6. Media Outlets to ensure a clear message is

delivered:

Local radio, television, newspapers.

Inform

A contact should be provided to this group, for

further information if required.

Wellington Time advertised for Community

Open Day 27 September 2017

7. Broader

community

The town of Wellington is approximately 2 km

from the proposed solar farm. There are

numerous residences and business located in

and around the township.

Direct impacts are a possibility for residences

on the northern side of Wellington and the

project would be a large new development for

the broader community.

Inform

Newspaper articles, website information used

to relay information about the project.



First Solar completed a mail out to broader

community 19 April 2017, 3 July 2017, 7

August, 13 September 2017.


17‐076 v1.1 15


8. Mid‐Western

shire

The region has had a rich agricultural history.

The proposed solar farm would provide an

economic stimulus for the area, during

construction, and would be a positive step

forward in the renewable energy sector.

While direct impacts are unlikely, the project

would be a large new development for the

broader community.

Inform

Newspaper articles and website information

used to release information about the project.



Direct contact with specific representative

groups (Chamber of Commerce).

First Solar made contact with Viv Wellington

and Barry Jeffrey, Wellington Business

Chamber in October 2017.


17‐076 v1.1 16

5 ISSUE MANAGEMENT

A set of project‐specific issues and risks to maximising community engagement in the project have been identified below. These issues pose potential risks to the

effective identification and mitigation of impacts important to the community. Mitigation strategies have been developed below, specific to the identified issues.

These have been incorporated into the Project‐based Activities, in Section 6.

Issue Risks Mitigation strategies

The project may define /

overwhelm the locality

This may polarise the community.

They may not feel that the project

reflects their values.

The scale of the project may

overwhelm the existing local

character.

Education material about the role of solar energy in the country’s energy mix, the technology

and its impacts.

Early dissemination of information about the project and its specific justification and benefits,

particularly with reference to developing new income streams on agricultural land and the

ability to restore the land capability after decommissioning.

Seek direct input into how the project may reflect the communities ‘personality’ and values and

how the benefits of the project may be spread to the local community.

Clear communication of key environmental impacts and mitigation strategies of the project.

Offer direct contact to project manager.

Misinformation: Word of mouth /

rumours first source of

information

Feel left out, disengaged,

misinformed.

Direct communication early to local community – adjacent landowners first, near neighbours

second, then the wider community.


17‐076 v1.1 17


Lack of support for project

Lack of interest, leading to low

levels of public support.

Unaddressed concerns may

generate opponents of this

project.

Large proportion of jobs in local

area are reliant on coal mining may

influence support of development

of renewable infrastructure.

Early dissemination of information about the project and its justification and project benefits.

Clear communication of key environmental impacts and mitigation strategies.

Make participation easy – to ensure all concerns are addressed.

Be creative – seek support for renewable project that demonstrates how benefits are felt at the

local level.

The approvals process can be

complex.

Perception that the process is too

difficult to become involved in.

Suspicion that input will not be

valued.

Clearly illustrate approvals process.

Clearly define opportunities for community input including what is required and when it is

required.

Communicate back, identifying where input has been used.

Reinforce this at each relevant stage for community input – pre lodgement, during public

exhibition etc.

Distrust in environmental

assessment process.

Distrust of impact identification

and mitigation strategies.

Establish credentials of assessment team and First Solar. Present these in the EIS and in

newsletters etc.

Make participation easy – create opportunities to discuss issues with the team.

Fear of unknown / complex

information

Exaggerated fears /

misunderstanding of information.

Layman explanations of issues.

Offer to follow up – one on one, or special interest meetings.


17‐076 v1.1 18


Relationship with community Risk that during the long approval

and assessment process, the

community will lose enthusiasm,

become disengaged or negative.

Milestone events should be identified early and celebrated.

Representative

Risk of biased consultation, serving

only the most vocal community

members.

Sections of the community may be

“overpowered” and may be

marginalised.

Ensure community is engaged in a forum that minimises risk of debate being side tracked.

Follow up with smaller groups where required.

Use established social (and media) channels in dissemination of materials, i.e. sport clubs.

Unified message Differing messages may create

confusion and mistrust.

Limit points of contact.

Have message clearly set out for use, rather than reinventing it for each consultation activity.

Unequal distribution of benefits

Residents close to the

development are likely to feel

more strongly.

Identification of stakeholder groups should reflect differences in impacts.


17‐076 v1.1 19

6 PROJECT BASED ACTIVITIES

The following table outlines the different project stages and associated community consultation objectives

and activities, in chronological order. The stages include:

Decision to proceed with early investigations, proposal development

Receipt of SEARs

Detailed assessment and proposal development

EIS on public exhibition, submissions reporting

Approval determination

Construction contract award

Construction commences

Operation commences

Decommissioning commences

6.1 ENGAGEMENT TEAM

First Solar’s engagement team will consist of the project developer and support team.

Mirjam Tome First Solar (Australia) Pty Ltd Project Manager will lead the engagement.

Support will be provided by Jennifer Abbott, Senior Manager – Communications and Public Affairs and

Bianca Alexander – Development Support.

6.2 MILESTONES

Milestone events should be celebrated, and used as an opportunity to keep the community on board.

Milestones can include:

1. Announce project – notify near residents first, follow up with consistent information

2. Receipt of SEARs

3. Early studies update – meet the community face to face

4. EIS submitted – explain avenues for input

5. Submissions Report submitted – explain avenues for input

6. Approval – celebrate in a way that involves the community

7. Construction contractors awarded ‐ opportunity for local employment

8. Construction commences ‐ sod turning ceremony

9. Operation commences – public open day

6.3 THROUGHOUT PROCESS

Relevant to all activities:

One person would remain key spokesperson, this would be Mirjam Tome, First Solar

(Australia) Pty Ltd Project Manager, to:

o Limit points of contact, ensuring a clear message and no contradictions in

terminology or project information.

o Retain personal direct relationship with the community, identifiable face for the

project.


17‐076 v1.1 20

Feedback would be sought using a standard form where possible, allowing this information

to inform the assessment (example provided in Appendix A). This form would be made

available during meetings and on the project website.


17‐076 v1.1 21

Stakeholder

group

Issue Consultation

objective

Community engagement activities Format

Decision to proceed with early investigations, proposal development, and receipt of SEARs

Adjacent

landowners

May define

locality

Lack of support

Other concerns

Inform and engage Early dissemination of information about solar development

generally.

Early dissemination of information about the project and its

justification and benefits.

Seek direct input to include in assessment approach and

development of proposal.

Face to face meeting

Include feedback form and

encourage direct contact with

Project Manager.

Council Misinformation

Lack of support

Inform and engage Ensure that the information is available

Build relationship to understand their key issues

Face to face meeting

Near neighbours

May define

locality

Lack of support

Unequal

distribution of

benefits

Other concerns

Inform and engage Early dissemination of information about solar development

generally.

Early dissemination of information about the project and its

justification and benefits.

Provide contact information for near neighbours to seek

further information, provide comments on the proposal and to

register for regular updates.

Letter Drop

Provide contact information to of

the Project Manager

Distrust in

environmental

assessment

process

Inform Ensure the timelines and the stages for community input are

clearly documented ‐ use graphics and indicate where we are

now at for the assessment.

Make information on the project team and assessment team

available

Factsheet showing stage of the

process and opportunities for

input

Website, links to other projects

and accreditations


17‐076 v1.1 22

Stakeholder

group

Issue Consultation

objective


Local business

owners

Misinformation

Inform and engage Ensure that the information is available to the local community

first.

As well as letter drop, meet local business owners and offer to

leave information with them to distribute.

Build relationship with these owners and staff as they may

assist to ‘get the word out’.

Face to face meeting with local

business owners as requested

Broader

community

Distrust in

environmental

assessment

process.

The approvals

process can be

complex.

Inform Preliminary project announcement, including stage of

assessment, likely timelines, ways in which the community can

be involved.

Media release, link to website

Detailed assessment and proposal development

Adjacent

landowners

May define

locality

Lack of support

Inform and engage Feed information into the final assessment to ensure all their

issues have been identified and addressed by the project.

Face to face meeting / Phone call

Near neighbours May define

locality

Lack of support

Inform and engage Identify ways the community can participate in the project and

seek input on these:

Vegetation screen planting, adopt a tree (one for

project, one for landowner?)

Signage / logo for solar farm (will be prominent part of

the town?)

Other renewable or energy saving programs that the

proponent could support?

Depends on initiative identified


17‐076 v1.1 23

Stakeholder

group

Issue Consultation

objective


Near neighbours Fear of unknown,

complex

information

Inform and engage Identify ways simplify and present the key information, seek

feedback.

Open house – specialist and

project information

Broader

community

Unequal

distribution of

benefits

Risk of biased

consultation,

serving only the

most vocal

community

members.

Consult and inform Feed information into the final assessment to ensure all

community issues have been identified and addressed by the

project, differentiating between stakeholder groups

Fact Sheet, Website

EIS on public exhibition, submissions reporting

Adjacent

landowners

Relationship with

landowners and

community

Inform and engage Reinforce stage in the project and ways to have input Face to face meeting / Phone call

Near neighbours Relationship with

community

Inform and engage Celebrate milestone, reinforce stage in the project and ways to

have input

Newspaper article, Website link

Near neighbours Fear of unknown,

complex

information

Inform and engage Special interest groups – address specifically in meeting.

Meeting with group, if required.

Approval determination


community


have input.

Thank the community for their support

Letter Drop


17‐076 v1.1 24

Stakeholder

group

Issue Consultation

objective


Broader

community

Differing

messages may

create confusion

and mistrust.

The approvals

process can be

complex.

Inform Keep project information up to date.

Provide link to relevant information including feedback form.

Provide a contact for further information.

Newspaper article

Website

Construction contract award


community


have input.

What opportunities for local employment?

Media Release

Construction commences


community


have input.

Notify about impacts that can be expected, avenues to

complain, for more information.

Letter Drop

Event: first module install

Broader

community

Differing

messages may

create confusion

and mistrust.

Inform Keep project information up to date

Provide link to relevant information including feedback form

Provide a contact for further information

Website

Operation commences


community


have input

Notify about impacts that can be expected, avenues to

complain, for more information.

Letter Drop

Event: public open day


17‐076 v1.1 25

Stakeholder

group

Issue Consultation

objective


Broader

community

Differing

messages may

create confusion

and mistrust.




Website

Decommissioning commences


community

Inform and engage Reinforce stage in the project and ways to have input

Notify about impacts that can be expected, avenues to complain,

for more information.

Letter Drop

Broader

community

Differing

messages may

create confusion

and mistrust.




Website


17‐076 v1.1 26

7 MONITORING AND EVALUATION

To ensure this plan is effective during the implementation of activities, and adapts as required to new

information, the following review actions will be undertaken alongside implementation activities:

Appoint and maintain a consultation manager for the project to implement activities

and review this plan regularly.

Keep an accurate record of all feedback from consultation activities and all

correspondence with the community.

Monitor regularly and respond promptly to email and phone queries.

Are the activities reaching a diverse and representative section of the community; do

new activities need to be implemented?

Has relevant information been passed back to:

o Project developers

o Assessment staff.


17‐076 v1.1 27

8 REFERENCES AND RESOURCES

Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2017, Wellington LGA Census Quickstats, accessed 13 April 2017 from

http://stat.abs.gov.au/itt/r.jsp?RegionSummary&region=18150&geoconcept=REGION&dataset=ABS_REG

IONAL_LGA&datasetLGA=ABS_REGIONAL_LGA&datasetASGS=ABS_REGIONAL_ASGS&regionLGA=REGION

&regionASGS=REGION

ARENA (n.d). Establishing the social licence to operate large scale solar facilities in Australia: Insights from

social research for industry, Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).

Department of Planning and Environment, 2016, Population Projections 2016 Edition, New South Wales

Government.

Destinations NSW, 2017, accessed 18 April 2017, http://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/country‐

nsw/dubbo‐area/wellington/events

Dubbo City, 2017, accessed 18 April 2017 http://dubbo.com.au/Invest/population‐demographic

Dubbo Regional Council, 2017, accessed 18 April 2017, https://www.dubbo.nsw.gov.au/

Dubbo Regional Council, 2016, Dubbo Regional Council Local Government Area Economic Profile.

Regional Development Australia – Orana, 2016, accessed 13 April 2016,

http://www.lovethelifewelive.com.au/our‐towns/wellington/

REMPLAN, 2017, Dubbo Regional Council Economic Profile, accessed 18 April 2017 from

http://www.economicprofile.com.au/dubboregionalcouncil/

Service NSW, 2017, Wellington Health Service,

https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/nswgovdirectory/wellington‐health‐service

Twyford Consulting (2007) Beyond Public Meetings: Connecting community engagement with decision

making


17‐076 v1.1 A‐i

APPENDIX A COMMUNITY FEEDBACK FORM

COMMUNITY FEEDBACK FORM: WELLINGTON SOLAR FARM

Your feedback is important to develop a solar farm project that best suits the local area and community.

Your comments ensure local feedback is understood by the developers and assessment team.

Please send your feedback to (or seek further information directly, from):

Mirjam Tome, First Solar Australia Pty Ltd

Level 3 16 Spring Street, Sydney, NSW 2000

[email protected]

For further information about the project, please see the project website at www.wellingtonsolarfarm.com.au

Your contact details: (this information will be treated as confidential)

Name: ………………………………………. Address: ………………………………………………………………………………….. Ph: ………………………..

Circle which best describes how far you live from the proposed Wellington Solar Farm:

<1 km 1‐2 km 2‐5 km >5 kilometres Not a member of the local community

Tell us what you value about the local area:

What do you value most about the local area?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………..…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

What views or landscape characteristics in the region and local area are important to you?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

What do you like about solar farms?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Do you have any concerns about solar farms?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Do you have any specific concerns regarding the proposed solar farm at Wellington?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………


17‐076 v1.1 B‐i

APPENDIX B CONSULTATION STATUS Date Activity

April 2017 Letter has been sent to all landowners within 2km of the proposed solar farm.

May 2017 Project Manager and Project Support Officer provided introduction to the project and provided a notification letter with the project contact information and a feedback form to all adjacent and close neighbours, including local businesses and agencies.

Project Manager met with Kathy Webb, Business Manager of the Wellington Correctional Centre.

An email was sent to Kathy Webb detailing interactions between solar panels and security cameras as well as responses to the questions raised.

June 2017 Neighbours with potential views of the solar farm were met with in person.

Follow up calls and emails were send to neighbours with potential views of solar farm.

Dubbo Regional Council (Liz Rich and Darryl Quigley) were consulted regarding the proposed solar farm.

July 2017 Letters have been sent out to all landowners and members of the community who are on the distribution list, notifying them that the Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs) to the NSW Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) have been requested.

Letters have been sent out to all landowners and members of the community who are on the distribution list, notifying them that the Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs) to the NSW Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) have been received.

August 2017 Neighbours with potential views of the solar farm were visited for a visual assessment consultant to take photos from viewpoints.

Meetings were scheduled with the project manager to share the photomontages, discuss impacts and mitigation options if appropriate.

Mineral Licence owners were consulted.

Aboriginal Parties were consulted for Cultural Heritage Study on site.

Dubbo Regional Council was consulted and informed about the progress of the project.

September 2017 The Community Open Day took place at the Wellington Civic Centre.

Dubbo Regional Council was consulted and informed about the progress of the project.

Wellington Business Chamber has been consulted.

October 2017 Wellington Correctional Centre has been consulted and kept informed of progress.


17‐076 v1.1 B‐ii

Date Activity

Dubbo Regional Council was consulted and informed about the progress of the project. A date to present to Councillors has been requested.

Neighbours have been visited and kept informed of progress.

wellington solar farm appendix c consultation · 2019-07-01 · appendix c consultation. ... final...

Documents